About
Operation USA is a Los Angeles-based international disaster relief and development agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease, violence, and endemic poverty. Founded in 1979 as Operation California, the organization has delivered more than 450 million dollars in aid to 101 countries over more than four decades, while deliberately keeping a small, hands-on staff and working through local partner organizations.
Mission
Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease, violence, and endemic poverty. The organization describes itself as small, agile, and effective — in the words of founding board member Julie Andrews, "the little ship that gets in the harbor where the big ships cannot go." It is 100 percent privately funded and works without any government financial support.
What they do
- Immediate disaster response built around pre-assembled Disaster Relief Kits containing hygiene items, medical supplies, and emergency shelter materials, distributed through partners on the ground
- A quick-response Disaster Relief Fund that makes emergency cash grants to community-based partner organizations
- Shipments of medical supplies, equipment, clothing, and personal supplies to partners internationally
- Long-term recovery projects, from school construction to rebuilding livelihoods, staying in the field after other agencies have left
- Domestic programs across the United States — in some years as much as half of its work is done at home
- Programs emphasizing children and families, education, and health
History
Founded as Operation California in 1979, the organization marked its 45th year as an international humanitarian agency in 2024. Recent responses include Hurricane Helene relief shipments in 2024, grants supporting medical care for children in Gaza, ongoing support for civilians affected by the war in Ukraine since 2022, emergency medical supplies and grants after the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes, and recovery grants and supplies following the 2023 Hawaii wildfires and California storms.
Scale and impact
Since 1979, Operation USA has worked in 101 countries and delivered over 450 million dollars in aid for relief and development projects worldwide. Its model pairs a small dedicated staff with a large footprint built through partnerships with local organizations and grassroots groups directly serving their own communities.
Financials
Operation USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 95-3504080) whose federal tax exemption was issued in May 1980. According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 it reported total revenue of 3,488,555 dollars, total expenses of 4,032,586 dollars, and net assets of 2,095,539 dollars, with contributions making up nearly all of its revenue.
